Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet Vine

Campsis radicans

Trumpet-shaped blooms blaze like summer torches against woody vines. Deciduous climbing ornamental; common names: trumpet vine, trumpet creeper.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms in full sun; tolerates light shade in hot climates
💧
Watering Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering in mature plants
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to -30°C; tolerates high summer heat up to 35°C; protect young vines from prolonged late spring frost
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite, pinnately compound leaves with 7–13 ovate, serrated leaflets; dark green foliage turns yellow in fall.
  • Flower: Clustered tubular trumpet blooms; bright orange to red-orange, 5–8 cm long, with flared petal tips.
  • Stem: Woody twining stems with aerial rootlets for climbing; can spread aggressively via underground rhizomes.
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods; avoid waterlogging

Fertilization

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growing season. Over-fertilizing can reduce flowering potential

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons around the vine base and lightly work into topsoil to avoid nutrient runoff
Pruning
  • Prune heavily in late winter to control aggressive spread and encourage new flowering growth
  • Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
  • Remove dead or damaged branches at any time to maintain plant health
  • Cut back wandering rhizomes to prevent unwanted spread into surrounding garden areas
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes perseverance and attraction; often used to cover arbors, fences, and walls for vertical color

Usage: Ornamental climbing vine; attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to gardens